Can you eat ham when you have diarrhea?

In this article we are going to answer can you eat ham when you have diarrhea, what you can and should avoid when pregnant and what are the symptoms of diarrhea. 

Can you eat ham when you have diarrhea?

Yes, you can eat ham when you have diarrhea but it is recommended to choose a low-fat option. Turkey ham or turkey breast is the best option and if you can cook it, it’s best to prevent you from worsening your symptoms. 

It is not recommended to eat ham or any sub-product because it contains too much fat which can worsen your bowel movements. 

What is diarrhea?

It Is called Diarrhea when bowel movements have a loose texture or are more liquids than normal. It is considered diarrhea when you go to the bathroom three or more times in a day. 

  • Acute diarrhea: it lasts for two days
  • Chronic Diarrhea: it lasts more than four weeks. It can be continuous or come and go. 

What are the symptoms of diarrhea? 

Symptoms of diarrhea include:

  • Cramps or pain in the abdomen
  • Urgent need to go to the bathroom
  • Loss of bowel movements
  • You may also have, a fever
  • Bloody stools
  • Chills
  • Vomiting
  • Náusea

What are the causes of diarrhea?

The most common causes of diarrhea can be

  • Bacteria 
  • Viruses
  • Parasites
  • Medicines
  • Food intolerance or sensitivities
  • Disease
  • Problems with the colon functions

Bacteria 

You can contract food poisoning from bacteria when you drink contaminated water or eat contaminated food. 

Viruses

Flu, norovirus, or rotavirus

Parasites

They are tiny organisms that can be found in contaminated food or water.

Medicines

Some medicines like antibiotics, cancer drugs, or magnesium supplements can cause diarrhea or loose stools. 

Food intolerance or sensitivities

It is a problem with the digestion of certain ingredients in food living gluten intolerance of celiac disease. 

Disease

Some diseases that affect the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine like Crohn’s disease. 

Problems with the colon functions

Like irritable bowel syndrome. 

What can you eat if you have diarrhea?

If you have diarrhea you should eat bland food that does not irritate the large intestine or colon. Diet is part of the treatment to recover from diarrhea. It is very important to not add fiber or food that can irritate your intestine. You can follow the BRAT diet

  • B for Bananas
  • R for rice, plain white rice
  • A for applesauce
  • T for toast or bread

Other foods you can include in your bland diet are boiled potatoes, turkey ham or turkey breast, chicken breast,  unseasoned crackers, and apple juice.

You must add liquids so you don’t dehydrate.

  • Clear broth like chicken or beef broth without fat
  • Electrolyte-enhanced water
  • Decaffeinated tea like chamomile tea

What should you avoid if you have diarrhea?

As part of the treatment, you should avoid food that can trigger diarrhea. Some food you should avoid are

  • Milk and dairy products
  • Fried food
  • Spicy foods
  • Processed foods
  • Pork
  • Veal
  • Sardines
  • Raw or cooked vegetables (you can only eat potatoes or carrots)
  • Fruits (you can only eat apples)
  • Alcohol
  • Coffee
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Sugar or artificial sweeteners

When should I see a doctor?

If your symptoms worsen or you feel really bad you should 

  • Signs of dehydration
  • Diarrhea for more than 2 days of children with more than 24 hours
  • Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
  • Fever higher than 102 degrees
  • Stools with blood or pus
  • Black and tarry stools

What turkey ham is best to eat when you have diarrhea?

Turkey ham is made from the thigh or breast, which has less fat and fewer calories. Is an excellent option for a healthier ham and you can eat it when you have diarrhea because it has less fat. Also, it is more gentle with the stomach and intestines.  

Here is a list of the best brands of turkey ham and turkey breast on the market. 

Conclusion

This article answered the questions: can you eat ham when you have diarrhea, what you can and should avoid when pregnant and what are the symptoms of diarrhea. 

Citation

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000121.htm#:~:text=Eating%20When%20you%20Have%20Diarrhea&text=You%20can%20bake%20or%20broil,products%20for%20a%20few%20days.

https://www.insider.com/what-to-eat-with-diarrhea

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-eat-when-you-have-diarrhea

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